Tit for Tat: AAP’s Gahlot holds Lotus; BJP’s Jha holds Broom

Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ November 18,2024

Aam Aadmi Party’s senior-most leader Kailash Gahlot, Delhi’s former Transport Minister has joined the saffron party Bharatiya Janata Party. Gahlot’s switch comes less than three months before an Assembly election widely expected to be a head-to-head between his former and current political masters.

On the other hand the BJP’s Anil Jha, a two-time former MLA, joined the Arvind Kejriwal-led outfit. Purvanchali leader and two-time MLA from Delhi’s Kirari constituency Anil Jha, joined the AAP on Sunday. At a ceremony at AAP’s headquarters, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal welcomed Anil Jha into the party, praising his contributions to Purvanchal society and emphasising the boost his presence brings to AAP’s campaign across Delhi.

Gahlot said, “This is not an easy step for me… I was a part of the AAP since the time of Anna Hazare (the anti-corruption activist whose popular movement birthed the AAP) and have worked for Delhi throughout… as MLA and minister.”

“Some may think this is an overnight decision… or due to pressure. But I want to tell them I haven’t ever taken any decision due to pressure,” Gahlot told reporters, firmly rejecting speculation the move was the result of “pressure” from federal investigative agencies.

“There is a narrative I did this due to CBI, ED pressure. I want to tell them (his critics) … since 2015, as AAP member. as MLA, and as Minister – I have never done anything due to pressure.”